Henry Altemus Company

The following are questions submitted via email by our visitors.

If you have a question about Altemus books that you'd like answered please click on the Questions link at the bottom left of this page.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Can you tell me the date and any information about this book? (What is Art)

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1903. It is a reprint and originally was sold within a labeled box.

See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series180.htm

For more information about this cover see: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series / European Artists

Vademecum Series

Q:  I have acquired a book which I believe to be at least 100 years old, however I have no information and cannot seem to find information online.
The book is called Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius and has a green cover with floral inlay. 2 bits of information I think is correct is that is was part of the Marqueterie series with a something that was described as sepia etchings to the cover.

I have seen this cover but not for the same book. I have included a picture of the same cover, which is the only book I can find with the same cover but different title.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1900. See: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series (later numbering) Series 180

This edition is a reprint with nominal monetary value.

During 1900 the books in the Vademecum Series were published with this cover format but in a number of different colors.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I have a Cranford by Ms. Gaskell book that I can’t identify the cover. I think it is 1901 Vademecum Series but not sure, would you know. I have attached the photos. Any help to identify which one this is would be very helpful if you have the time.

A:  You are correct. This book was published in 1901 as part of the Vademecum Series. As with all the titles in this publisher's series, it is a reprint. More than 40 different applique pictures have been seen on this cover template.

The book originally came within a labeled box.

For more information see: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series (later numbering) Series 180 and Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series / European Artists

Vademecum Series

Q:  I have possessed this lovely book for many years, Lowell's Poems.

I did not see photos of this book on your website. It appears to have been printed in 1899 by Henry Altemus, Manufacturer, Philadelphia.

Can you provide any additional details of my book, how many were printed in 1899?

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1899.

See: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series (later numbering) Series 180

There are no records regarding the number printed.

Your edition is a reprint of a title which is not in demand.

It only has nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I recently found a book by your company at my mom's house (The House of the Seven Gables). I could not find any date in the book maybe you could give me some info on it.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1901.

See: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series (later numbering) Series 180

For more about the appliqué picture on the cover, see: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series / European Artists

(Your pic is #10)

This book is a reprint with nominal monetary value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Hello. I was wondering if you had any information on this book, The House of the Seven Gables, with this specific cover (design, color)? I’ve been unable to find it on the internet. I was curious about when it was from.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1899. See http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series180.htm

The cover design was used for all the books in this series published in this year.

The color was one of a number of colors used.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I just came across your site today and thought you might be able to assist me. I received this book Treasure Island by Robert L Stevenson and would like to know if it is rare and possibly know it’s value. I’m assuming it’s from early 1900’s. I also attached another page it has somebody’s name but can’t read it. Thanks for your assistance.

A:  This book was published in 1909-1912 as part of the Vademecum Series.
It originally came in a red box.
See: https://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series180.htm

It is neither rare nor valuable. Nominal value only.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I was just curious as to any information you can provide about a book I have purchased from an antique store (In Memoriam). I know it is not a particularly unique one but I would still like to know anything about it. I have attached a picture.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1904.
Originally it came within a labeled box.

See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series180.htm

It is a reprint with nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Greetings, I am emailing regarding a copy of Alice in Wonderland that I have found while searching the web.

I have loved this story since I was you young and as a lifelong pursuit I am hoping to start a collection of antique fairytale books. I place a lot of value on finding a good condition of this particular book but am also just starting to learn about collecting! I have attached the book below. It is listed for 234 dollars. Does this book hold that value? What are some good resources to gain knowledge on collecting these treasures? Any information you have would be very helpful!

A:  In my opinion that book is massively overpriced.
It was published in 1915 as part of the Vademecum Series and originally came within a labeled box.
See: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series (later numbering) Series 180

Generally the Alice's with fancy illustrated covers sell for decent money whereas the rest are common and not avidly collected.

There are not any really good price guides. You can go to Ebay and look at what books sold for.

The prices on the book sites are extremely variable and very deceptive. The dealers can list a book for any price and a number of the overpriced books have been on the site for many years.

There is a Lewis Carroll Society and it might be helpful.
Lewis Carroll Society of North America – Official website of the LCSNA

Vademecum Series

Q:  Today I purchased "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and I'm not sure how to tell how old the copy is. It is definitely a Henry Altemus Published book, but everywhere I look, I don't see any other copy like it.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1899.
See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series180.htm